A Theory In Structure

*** 1/2 03.27.09 - Stranger Than Paradise... 1984... Director Jim Jarmusch

I first saw this film in college in a film class. My professor at the time had a print of it somehow and had us watch it to prove to us that a small film can be a good film and that you really don't need a huge budget to make a film.

Director Jim Jarmusch first made this film as a 30 minute short in 1982, then expanded it to a feature for it's release in 1984. Shot in beautiful black and white, the film has no inter cutting, no dissolves, no fades. The idea behind the film was to shoot each scene as one long take. The discipline behind that, makes this a very interesting film to study.

The score is delicious by the films star John Lurie. His co-star, Richard Edson has an instantly recognizable face, he's one of those character actors you know right away. Their performances are comedic and touching.

There is nothing on the DVD other than the film and that was disappointing, but the film is worth seeing and my suggestion... turn off all of the lights, get it nice and dark, turn on the film and enjoy the rich black and white and awkward, touching story.